Govt, UNFPA hail revised Ending Child Marriage strategy

The Ministry of Gender is hailing the revised Ending Child Marriage Strategy as a game-changer in protecting girl children and ending this harmful practice.

The strategy was launched at the ‘International Day of the Girl Child’ event in Mwanza district, themed ‘Girl’s Vision for the Future’, a commemoration that is celebrated on 11^th October worldwide.

This move is crucial, considering almost half of Malawi’s girls are forced into marriage before age 18, and 30% become mothers by age 19.

The alarming statistics are a stark reminder of the need for urgent action. Malawi has one of the highest child marriage rates in the world, with approximately 42% of girls married before 18 and 9% married below 15.

According to the gender minister, Jean Sendeza, this not only harms the girls but also perpetuates poverty and limits their potential.

“I appeal to local authorities including Chiefs to be on the forefront in the implementation of such strategies that ensure the protection of the girl child whom we are saying is facing so many challenges including early marriage when they should be encouraged to pursue education,” Sendeza said.

Nelida Rodrigues, a UNFPA Representative, said this year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” challenges stakeholders to truly listen to girls and invest in proven solutions that accelerate their progress toward a future where every girl can realize her full potential.

According to Rodrigues theme demands affirmative action towards saving the girl child while ensuring the safety of the future of generations.

She said: “Today, as we commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child, let this be a day when we renew our commitment to zero tolerance for all forms of violence against women and girls, zero teenage pregnancies, and no child marriages in our communities.”

Rodriguez concluded her speech by reaffirming the UNFPA’s commitment to the cause.

She said: “The United Nations stands firm in our commitment to support the Government of Malawi. Together, we will end unwanted teenage pregnancies, child marriages, and the sexual exploitation and abuse of girls in Malawi.”

The UNFPA maintains that the revised Ending Child Marriage Strategy is a testament of Malawi’s commitment to eliminating child marriage and is fully aligned with the global framework, including the 2030 Transformative Agenda and the ICPD25 commitment to zero child marriages by 2030.